David Nadien: Beethoven, Franck, Mozart

The Strad Issue: July 2026

Description: A rare insight into a treasurable artist

Musicians: David Nadien (violin) Jacques Abram (piano)

Works: Beethoven: Violin Sonata op.30 no.1. Franck: Violin Sonata. Mozart: Violin Sonata K454

Catalogue number: BIDDULPH 85068-2

This recital, given on 14 January 1972 at the University of South Florida, is the best playing I have heard from David Nadien (1926–2014), the Brooklyn-born fiddler who had a legendary reputation in the US profession. He is partnered by the remarkable pianist Jacques Abram: the two of them are well balanced and clearly enjoy making music together.

It is Abram who raises this Franck Sonata above the excellent performance on another Biddulph disc of Nadien that I reviewed in 2022, inspiring his partner to still higher standards. Nadien has a most appealing tone at the start and is aware of the fragility that lies beneath the surface of this masterpiece. Even the virtuosity of the Allegro does not eclipse this lyrical undertow and the third movement is introduced gravely, Nadien timing his flights of fancy imaginatively. The finale’s canonic passages bring lovely exchanges and the dash for the finishing line is thrilling.

The Mozart sonata has an expectant Largo, both the ensuing Allegro and the final Allegretto are sparkling and, in between, the Andante is beautifully sung. This is fine Classical playing and we get more in the Beethoven sonata, which has good interplay in the Allegro and alluring poise in the Adagio. Abram is terrific in the variation finale, bringing out the best in his partner.

The sound is ever so slightly muffled, but fully adequate to convey the quality of both men’s tones. Recommended with enthusiasm.

TULLY POTTER